Lamson Litespeed Review

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It’s easy to focus solely on buying the right rod. But if you’re an avid fly fisher like me, you’ll know how important it is to have a sturdy reel you can rely on when fly fishing. It can make all the difference to your fishing success and make or break a fishing trip!

And that’s why we aim to review the best products out there to help you find the perfect reel for your needs. See also our full Lamson Guru review.

Lamson is a well-respected company that has been producing high-quality fishing gear for over two decades. The Litespeed reel series is one of their best products. This mid-range reel has been through several redesigns over the years, and the fifth-generation model is the best so far!

Let’s take a closer look to see exactly what the Lamson Litespeed has to offer you in our detailed fly reel review!

Overview

The Lamson Litespeed reel is a sturdy workhorse reel for fly fishing. The latest edition of this reel is the fifth reinvention, making it better than ever. It has a consistently smooth drag and eye-catching aesthetics that will complement your fishing setup.

Some of the recent improvements to the fifth generation Lamson G5 include an improved retrieval rate, stronger build, and better line handling.

The Litespeed reel comes in two eye-catching colors. You can choose from Cinders, a burnt orange shade, or Blackout, which is a classic black color. Either colorway will compliment your fishing setup and look awesome out on the water!

It’s available in sizes from 3 to 11, allowing you to find the right size for your needs.

Construction

In this section of our fly reel review, we’ll take a close look at the build o the Lamson reels, from the Lamson Litespeed Micra 5 to the latest G5 model. ‘

The Lamson Litespeed is made from corrosion-resistant 6061 aluminum, similar to the type used for aircraft. It’s incredibly durable but also lightweight.

All of the Litespeed models from the Litespeed IV to the Litespeed Micra 5 are lightweight and have that iconic large arbor. This makes them a pleasure to use. The narrower, concave spool design allows for better fly line handling and a reliable drag torque.

Lamson has achieved an amazingly low weight through innovations like the integrated counterweight and smart porting. This integration also makes the frame stronger and stiffer than ever before. You won’t need to baby your Litespeed – it doesn’t scratch or dent easily.

Thanks to that large arbor, every Litespeed reel can hold plenty of backing and fly line. So you won’t need to worry if hook a fish that just wants to run!

The reel is completed with a durable Hard Alox finish, making it perfect for regular fly fishing trips!

Weight

You’ll be amazed by how lightweight the Litespeed reel is! The 5 weight reel comes in at a weight of just 4.19 ounces, while the 11 weight model weighs 8.06. These low weights are down to Lamson’s smart technology and intelligent redesign.

Drag System

The Litespeed reels boast a conical drag system that works wonders out on the water. It’s built from a proprietary blend of Teflon and Delfin for impressive strength, allowing you to haul in trophy-size fish with ease.

We love how smooth and reliable the drag on the Litespeed is. With very low startup inertia, you can really challenge yourself with this sturdy piece of gear!

Ergonomics

The drag knob on the latest model of the Litespeed has been improved, making it more ergonomic. The result is that you can get a good grip on the drag knob, even with slippery hands.

We were also pleased to see that the new handle design allows you to keep your hands well away from the reel itself. You can operate it more easily, and your fingers will stay safe, too! Switching from left-hand to right-hand use is also quick and straightforward.

Warranty

Lamson offers a lifetime warranty to the original owner. If your product becomes damaged or faulty, they will replace or repair it. You’ll only need to pay the $30 service fee, and you’ll soon have your working reel back again,

Cons

The Wrap Up

As you can see, the Lamson Litespeed is a reel to be reckoned with. It offers the maximum in power and performance, with a gorgeously smooth drag.

It perfectly balances out excellent performance with lightweight materials and design for a superior result. With this reel, there are no limits. You can fish all day and haul in trophy-sized catches with ease!

The Litespeed will be a fantastic addition to your fishing set up. With its versatility and sturdy, low-maintenance build, you can use it anywhere from freshwater streams to the open sea. This reel won’t disappoint.

Ben Kepka

Hey, I'm Ben, a fly fisherman for over 20 years and also an aspiring blogger. I've been into fly fishing since my graduation from spin fishing when I was 12 years old. I started flyfisherpro.com to help introduce as many people into this amazing sport. Tight lines everyone!
You can read more on our about page here.

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